Consumers using less energy for heating and cooling

The results of a survey from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a division of the Department of Energy, indicates that Americans are using less energy to heat and cool their homes.

New estimates from the most recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) show that 48% of energy consumption in American homes during 2009 was used for heating and cooling, down from 58% in 1993.For decades, space heating and air conditioning have accounted for more than half of all U.S. residential energy consumption.

Space heating accounted for 42% of household energy use in 2009, down from 53% in 1993. Stoves, washers/dryers and other appliances, electronics and lighting accounted for 30% of energy use, followed by water heaters at 18%, air conditioning at 6% and refrigerators at 5%.

The lower energy consumption is attributable in part to more efficient heating and cooling equipment, building practices that resulted in better insulation and more efficient windows, and population shifts to areas with warmer climates.